Belhus Landfill Site

To read this leaflet please click on the top of it.

THE GREEN BELT

THE GREEN BELT IN THURROCK

Approximately 60% of Thurrock is within the Green Belt.

Thurrock Council’s strategic objective is ‘To keep the Green Belt open, and only allow building in the most exceptional circumstances’.

In the Council’s document Thurrock Borough Local Plan, chapter 4 : The Green Belt it states –
The Council’s approach to maintaining strict control over development is to adopt the normal presumption against any inappropriate development in the Green Belt. (4.3.8)

The Council also aims to enhance and improve the natural beauty of the Green Belt, and to increase opportunities for quiet enjoyment of it. (4.3.9)

4.4 POLICIES

GB1 THE GREEN BELT IN THURROCK
Within the Green Belt, as shown on the Proposals Map, permission will not be given, except in very special circumstances, for the construction of new buildings or for the change of use of Land or the re-use of existing buildings unless it is for any of the following purposes:
(i) Agriculture and forestry (unless permitted development rights have been withdrawn):
(ii) Essential facilities for outdoor sport and outdoor recreation, for cemeteries. and for other uses of land which preserve the openness of the Green Belt and which do not conflict with the purposes of including land in it;
(iii) Limited extension, alteration or replacement of existing dwellings (subject to other policies in the Plan);
(iv) Limited infilling or redevelopment of major developed sites (subject to other policies in the Plan);
(v) Mineral extraction.

PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING

The Planning Committee met at the Civic Offices in Grays tonight, 14th February at 7pm.

Our local Councillors, Barrie Lawrence, Amanda Arnold and Charlie Curtis spoke very well and clearly laid out their opposition to the planning application.

OCRAG's chairman was allowed to speak for 3 minutes and summarised our main points of objection.

A majority of the Planning Committee spoke against the development at Bentons and after some debate they decided to go against the recommendation of the Planning Officer and refused the planning application.

The grounds on which it was turned down was because "it is an inappropriate development in the Green Belt."

Many thanks to all those who came along to give their support. The public gallery was full, with some people standing, which gave the Planning Committee the right impression.

Thanks also to those who sent in letters - the large number of objection letters was mentioned.

Victory

Site Visit by Councillors

On Tuesday 29th January Councillors on the Planning Committee visited Bentons Farm for a site visit. They were able to see the great changes made to the site. Over 100 residents stood on the pavement opposite Bentons in a silent protest and to register their opposition to the planning application.

Planning Committee next Thursday 14 Feb

The Planning Committee will meet again on Thursday 14th February to make a decision regarding the planning application for change of use of the outbuildings at Bentons Farm.
At the previous planning meeting one of the councillors commented on the large number of people in the public gallery.

Thursday 14th February 2008 at 7.00pm, at Civic Offices, New Road, Grays.

Please come along and support us.

Draft Minutes new link:
http://democracy.thurrock.gov.uk/CMISWebPublic/Binary.ashx?Document=10765

Bentons Farm from the east before August 2007

Link: http://democracy.thurrock.gov.uk/CMISWebPublic/Binary.ashx?Document=10765

QUIZ NIGHT

QUIZ NIGHT

Saturday 1st March 2008

7.30pm

Brandon Groves Community Club

Teams of 8

£3 per person

Bar/Raffle/Fun Night

Ring 0800 083 2596 TO BOOK TICKETS


If you can’t make a table of 8 let us know we’ll make up the team.

OCRAG Freephone number 0800 083 2596

Please note the new Freephone number for OCRAG
Ockendon Concerned Residents’ Action Group
0800 083 2596
www.ocrag.blogspot.com

Email: ocrag@live.co.uk

Bentons Farm - Before August 2007